When we last left off with our little media cabinet we had cleaned all of the grime off (with a Magic Eraser of all things) as well as removing the musty smell from the drawers with vinegar, but we mentioned that we still wanted to hide the cable box in one of the drawers somehow, and also had to seal the wood with something to lock in the color and shine. Well, we finally got ‘er done thanks to some technology and some good old fashioned elbow grease. So here’s how we went about getting that cable box off the ground.
We drilled a bunch of large holes in the back of the top middle drawer (and the back of the unit) with a large drill bit (it was a 1 3/4″ bit). Sorry about the bad lighting here, we needed a flashlight shining into the drawer to illuminate things, and it photographed really oddly.
Here’s an idea of how it looked when we had finished one side of Project Ventilation. Not to be confused with Project Runway, which is a lot more exciting, and usually involves at least seven kids from my Alma Mater (FIT – represent!). Anyway, so we did the same thing on the left side of the back of the piece (made four more holes) and then made the same type of holes in the back of the drawer itself (which was also open on the top, so any heat could easily escape).
Then we just hooked up the box, slid it into the drawer, and shut it. It’s nice that we can pull it out (if we ever want to access it) but we don’t have to keep the drawer open whenever it’s in use in order for the cable box to get a signal. Why don’t we? Why, because we got an IR extender. And it’s dreamy.
Wait, you can’t see it? Allow me to point it out. See this little black dome that’s about an inch wide?
Well, that’s an IR extender. We got it from Amazon (here’s the one we bought) and for $15.99, with tons of great reviews, it’s a deal that saved us from having to ditch/hack up/attempt to hinge a drawer front. The way it works is that you place the small round receiver (the black dome-looking thing) somewhere discreet on the front of your TV, and that picks up the signal whenever you use your remote from the couch. Then you just plug it into your cable box (there’s a wire that snakes around back).
In a word: it’s genius. It has been just as reliable as pointing the remote at the cable box itself, and thanks to ventilating that drawer we haven’t had any overheating issues (even if we leave the drawer closed for a week and then open it, it’s not steamy in there).
But now onto what we did to restore some color and shine to the media cabinet itself. Because it looks pretty good in the two photos above – but those were taken after we put a little effort into it. So let’s go back in time for a second. Since it had already been scrubbed down and de-grimed we needed to work on restoring some luster and sealing it all in for long-lasting protection. Step 1: pull out the drawers and roll back the rug.
Step 2: Bring those drawers into the sunroom (where I had more space to tackle them) and grab some Restor A Finish and Howard Feed-N-Wax (we found it at Home Depot) since I’ve pretty much heard only the most amazing things about both products, especially when they’re used in cahoots.
Here’s how the drawers were looking before any luster-restoration or sealing. See how the wood looked a little dry and had small dings and scratches in the finish?
Step 3: Rub Restore-A-Finish onto each drawer as well as the frame of the cabinet with a rag according to the directions on the back (which are pretty much “rub it on and wait 30 minutes”). Look at the difference! In person, it was like seeing a crusty old foot in one of those lotion ads that gets some much-needed cream and transforms into a gorgeous and smooth beach-ready model-foot. Seriously, our drawers went from crusty to modelesque.
After the Restore-A-Finish application, there were still a few more heavy duty chips that weren’t quite solved (it was great for the small dings and scratches as well as moisturizing all of the wood though).
So that brings us to step 4: raid Clara’s art drawer. Ah yes, a brown magic marker will do.
Step 5: rub the brown magic marker into those bigger chips and immediately blend with your finger. Might as well rename it Chip-Be-Gone. Or at least Chip-Be-Way-Less-Obvious.
Then after the wait time on the can of Restore-A-Finish (30 mins) it was time to move on to our little bottle of Howard Feed-N-Wax to seal everything in. I was fresh out of clean rags, so I used an old white sock. Worked like a charm.
Step 6: Apply the wax to the wood drawers and frame of the cabinet, let it sit and soak in for 30 minutes, and then buff away any remaining wax with another clean rag (or sock in my case).
“Bling bling. Everytime I come into the sunroom bling bling.” That’s what I was singing with these flossy & glossy babies in front of me. Just call me Lil Wayne.
Once I slid the drawers back into place, our media cabinet was all “Can’t nobody take my pride. Can’t nobody hold me down. Oh no. I got to show those movies” a la Puff & Mace.
It was like a bonafide hip-hop throwback concert at my house. With slightly altered home-related lyrics.
Ok, I’m satisfied with the amount of hip-hop references that I worked into this post. Although I gotta say, it would make my life to someday drop this little ditty: “I’m sorry momma. I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to make you cry, but tonight I’m cleaning out my armoire.”
And now, let’s take a moment to appreciate how far this baby has come. Best $59 we ever spent. And the crazy part to us is that this cabinet sat at the thrift store long enough to get marked down by $20 (which means it was probably there for at least a month). Nobody saw the beauty.
Also, on the subject of hip hop, dude why isn’t the magical pairing of Adam Levine, 50 Cent, and Eminem getting more radio play (warning, this isn’t the clean version, it’s the official video)? I first heard it last fall but it’s still not on the radio. What the heck, DJs of America? Help a sister out.
What are you guys up to when it comes to furniture upgrades. Any wax-on-wax-off-ing going on? Any other RF remote (or IR extender) lovers out there? It’s a pretty sweet piece of machinery, I gotta say.
Renae says
Furniture, blah, blah, blah (just kidding, it really does look fantastic!). But Levine, 50 and Eminem collaborating…say whaaaaaat?! Where have I been? I’m guessing it hasn’t made the radio because there’s no real way to edit that to acceptable language! All the “blurs” would make it sound like it was in another language!! Sherry I’m pretty sure you and I could hang out. I’m just another hip hop/rap lover. None of my friends ever got it and my husband STILL doesn’t. Oh well.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, let’s do it Renae! Come over and we’ll crank up the DVDs.
xo
s
Tabitha says
Thank you! Over a year ago (Jan ’12 to be precise) I got an amazing looking dresser for our entertainment center and with a small mirror back on it, the cables leading to the TV on the wall are even hidden…but the cable box and DVD player have been driving me nuts with the eye-soreness they cause me. When y’all got a dresser for your center a few months ago I realized I’d just have to sit around and wait for the answer and not have to rack my own brain on what to do ;) I didn’t even realize there was such a device to send the signal (which is now being shipped to me via Amazon). Thanks!!!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad Tabitha! Good luck!
xo
s
Jon says
Love those Howard products! My parents are antique flippers and have a collection of Howard products they use to quickly refresh furniture and get it sold. Have to make sure and use the ‘Feed N Wax’ if you want to the results to last. Glad to see the Howard products getting some love on a big blog like yours. You guys constantly amaze me with your creativity and great ideas!
Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says
You guys are my heroes today! :) I was starting the search next week for a way to keep my bonus daughter’s dvd player in a basket rather than on top of her dresser, but needed to figure out how to work it! Perfect! I hadn’t seen one that wasn’t wireless either, and I didn’t want to go for that kind of a purchase on this upgrade.
Thanks! And that peice looks awesome. I have a mid-century that needs some love still…. I hate to paint a really well made piece. I may just give this a go. If I don’t like it after that I can always paint!
YoungHouseLove says
Good luck Teresa! I bet with a little elbow grease it’ll be gorgeous!
xo
s
Megan @ Monroe Makeshift says
We’ve got a walnut TV cabinet/used to be dresser with nicks too. (I know it used to be a dresser because there were tighty whitey’s, sock, and shoe brushes still in it when we bought it. Haha!) I’ve been thinking about looking into touching it up. This is perfect! Thanks for the info.
Carrie Jo says
Ha! I had to snicker a little when I read your “Chip-Be-Gone” magic marker trick. I did the same thing just this morning, right before I logged on to read your blog. Magic Markers hide a multitude of sins perpetrated by my dog, cat, and son. :)
Katie says
i fall more in love with this piece every time i see it! fabo job on the find and reworking!
Christina @ Homemade Ocean says
I am utterly floored at that remote thingy (technical term) and by the fact that I didn’t know about it.
Knock Knock….a whole new door of opportunity opened up for me! Thanks y’all
emily says
this is exactly what i needed! i have a very, very similar piece of furniture that my tv sits on…and this is exactly what it needs. thanks!
Tom M says
As an a/v geek, I very much approve. Now we need to talk you into some sound upgrades. Built-in speakers? Soundbar? So many possibilities…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Britiney @ Consider the Lilies says
I love the info on the products you used and the before and afters are amazing! My aunt GAVE us a baby grand piano that’s badly weathered. We checked into having it refinished but the guy from the local music store told us we shouldn’t. It’s a Lester from the 40’s I believe. I’m definitely going to try these products and see if they can help bring it back to life a little! Thanks for the great ideas!!!
Anika says
Wow, it’s amazing what a difference those two products made! It’s given me hope to try and restore a few older pieces of wooden furniture we have laying around. Thanks so much for the thorough steps/tricks/tips with pictures as always: they are much appreciated!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Anika! Happy to help!
xo
s
Krissy says
The only wax-on, wax-off we’ve been doing is teaching Murphy a trick where he kind of waves with one paw, then the other while we say “Wax onnn, wax OFF!” in a very heavy, very fake accent…
That looks so shiny and new!
Chaney says
It looks beautiful!! And I love the RF solution for hiding the cable box. Thanks (as always) for the awesome tips.
P.S. I impulse-purchased that same wireless remote control outlet switch y’all shared last week, and I’m LOVING it! We’re using ours in our living room for a couple of annoying-to-turn-on lamps.
Tom M says
Oh, and one note: Not all equipment has an input for an RF remote. Your box does, but it might not be there with a different model or one from a different company/service provider.
I don’t think its very common for a DVD/Bluray player, or a streaming device. However, there are lots of other IR repeaters available if hiding your boxes is key.
YoungHouseLove says
Smart! Love the tips Tom.
xo
s
Steve S says
Correct Tom.
Most of the cable boxes except the Samsung units have a Ir In on the back. We suggest looking at the product description section of the Amazon posting to see if your box is compatible before buying. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JSDHCY
DVD players, A/V Stereo receivers do not have the IR port. Our Dual Frequency IRP repeater kits will work with all devices 38-56Khz frequency including ATT Uverse and Scientific Atlanta Cable boxes. The price range is from $34.99-$48.99. They will operate -2- to -6- devices. Here is the link to all of the models http://infrared-resources.com/category/73634229101/1/IR-Repeater-Hub-Kits.htm
caroline says
Nice work!!
I really need to get to doing this to my vintage dresser I bought in the winter. It’s gorgeous but a bit damaged in places. I can’t wait to get it nice and shiny!!! You can see him here http://bunniesandstripes.blogspot.fr/2012/12/dressed-to-nines.html (yes, he’s a him! anything with a heavy marble top has got to be a him!)
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh, he’s a handsome little devil!
xo
s
Krys @ Improving Krys says
Love the idea of putting the cable box in the drawer – those RF remotes really are genius!
But the real thing I got out of this post is a new favorite song – that 50 Cent/Eminem/Adam Levine “My Life” is fantastic! Totally stuck in my head now. It will be on repeat for a few hours today, I’m sure.
YoungHouseLove says
Ahh, it’s so good right? What the heck is wrong with the radio. It’s broken not to have it in the mix. Haha!
xo
s
Derk says
You guys always find the best stuff at thrift stores.
It’s probably worth pointing out that you didn’t actually get an RF remote but an IR extender.
The important distinction in this case is that an RF remote is compatible with everything whereas an IR extender only works if your cable box/DVD player/etc has the right port on the back, usually labeled ‘IR’ or something similar.
YoungHouseLove says
Oops, thanks Derk! Will update the post. Me and letters, I’m hopeless, haha!
xo
s
Steve S says
Yes, IR IN or Ext. IR remote
KathyG says
That’s amazing! And that marker tip is something I’ve tried before – skeptical at the time – but works like a charm! Can I put in one more exclamation mark! #toomuchcoffee
kat says
Will the wax seal the magic marker? I have used magic marker in the past to touch-up wood, but because it is washable it wasn’t a great fix and would wipe away anytime I cleaned. Sharpie was a little too saturated and didn’t blend well so I finally bit the bullet and bought the wood touch-up pen from the hardware store. It has the right tone and it is permanent. Just curious if wax might have solved the problem of making washable marker more permanent on wood?
YoungHouseLove says
It seemed to work! Still looks good, although I don’t rub it much other than to dust it :)
xo
s
Tom Corliss says
I am so jealious. I have been looking for a mid-century modern 6 drawer dresser for almost a year and have not found anything close to this quality or price. The thrift store her in south east Michigan stick! You guy’s did a great job on oyur restoring project, just like you do on every project.
Keep up your great work. If you get a second stop by our site http://homeinformationguru.com and see how we have changed over this past year. Great Job!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Tom!
xo
s
Kristen | Popcorn on the Stove says
The dresser looks great – and I am definitely going to look into an RF remote (I had never heard of them before!
Gabriella @ OLinA says
Nice touch. My cable box drives me nutso. I am debating wether to do away with the whole thing and just go with netflix.
Quesion: I know you just sealed it but how long before you guys decide to paint that baby? I’m just saying….a fresh bright bold colour of paint…ahhh the temptation. ;-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hah, we love this guy au naturale.
xo
s
Jason G. says
Another suggestion for anyone considering an RF remote. These days many TV’s, cable boxes, etc. are “Smart” so we can actually control our TV, DirecTV box and receiver via free apps on our Android phones and iPad through our wireless router.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
rachel says
I have never heard of an RF remote, but I am sold! I don’t like seeing the tv boxes all the time.
Laurie says
Love the cabinet, it looks amazing. Lots of furniture restoration going on at my house. I scored a great chair at Goodwill on 50% off day. Got it for $8. It had a cushioned seat covered with caning (weird right?) and the back was also caned. Tore off the caning on the cushion and recovered it. Now tackling the back because the caning is all broken. I am putting on a cushioned back, then covering with fabric and nailhead trim. I spent about $40 on fabric, foam and batting and nailhead so I will be less than $50 into the chair. I will probably sell it when I am done because I really don’t have space for it but I am loving the transformation. Then I am off to tackle my Queen Anne china hutch into something shabby chic and cottage-y. I was going to use the chalk paint but after your post about it not sure it will change my life like I thought it would. Sanding and priming might be the way to go. Anxiously awaiting your fireplace reveal!
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds awesome! We’re working away on the fireplace and will be back with more pics of framing and all that stuff on Monday (we’re hoping to get more time to build that baby out this weekend). Can’t wait!
xo
s
Donita says
Beautiful!!! I just love that cabinet. *my style* ;-)
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
Yessssssss, this is going to solve the issue of leaving our cable box on my armoire in our bedroom! THANK YOU! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Happy to help :)
xo
s
Theresa says
What rock have I been hiding under??!! How did I miss that song?!! Oh yeah…all the edits would’ve messed it up. Love it, off to itunes to spend my $1.29. Thanks for song!
Oh and the dresser to media isn’t too shabby either.
Laura says
Love it!
I have a few mid-century dressers around the house. They make it easier for me to stay organized with all the kids’ school papers/projects.
I always clean up wood furniture with wax. Just a word of caution if you’re dealing with antiques (and you never know what you can find out there) or even new pieces. Be careful if you’re working with chemicals or abrasive cleansers. Especially aerosols – it will ruin the finish on your furniture!
The last thrift store dresser I bought I found to be highly collectible so I only cleaned it up with wax. If I ever go to sell it, I can say it has its original finish and it won’t lose any value.
YoungHouseLove says
Great tips Laura!
xo
s
Anna says
Dude. ALL ABOUT that Adam Levine/50 Cent/Eminem song. If they can play that Drake/A$ap Rocky song with the chorus that sounds like “sad mitches” on the radio there’s no reason they can’t edit this one!
Dresser = fabuloso!
Charlotte @ Ciburbanity says
I may have missed this in the details, but no sanding, right?! I have a pair of chairs that could stand to get The Swan treatment…
Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
If you click the link in the first paragraph we had scrubbed it down with magic erasers (which sort of finely sand things I think) – but no sandpaper! Hope it helps :)
xo
s
Katie says
Beautiful media cabinet ‘up-do’!
Question: I’ve noticed that your home, like ours, has a lot of hard surfaces and parallel walls. Do you struggle with sound? Our place is so loud with all the wood and tile. Any tips to deaden the noise?
YoungHouseLove says
We have curtains and area rugs in every room, which definitely seem to help with that. Even big furniture pieces (like our big sectional) seem to absorb the sound. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Justine says
Oh, it looks so smooooooth and shiny, but deep and meaningful too; I think a little bit of Barry White crooning would suit that media cabinet down to the ground.
And thank you so much for the IR extender suggestion; we’re having some new cabinets/shelves built in the living room right now and I’ve just told hubby about this new-fangled thing (and looked it up to make sure they exist over here in the UK), and I think we are defo going to get one so we can hide our cable box and DVD player away. Yay for YHL!
Steve S says
We ship to the UK http://infrared-resources.com/category/73634229101/1/IR-Repeater-Hub-Kits.htm
Tara says
Wow, I am so glad I just started following your blog! I have a curio cabinet that is a little rough around the edges and this is totally what I need to do to it. I considered painting it, but the wood is such a beautiful shade (basically the same as your piece), I really didn’t want to cover it up! Thanks, you guys rock!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Tara! So glad you found our blog :)
xo
s
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
I agree with keeping it au naturale. Let’s face it, some wood needs some coverin’ but if it doesn’t? Wood grain looks AWESOME! But I am going to go all turncoat on you now and say I was thinking in my head “Those door pulls could use a little joosh.” I hope that word translated…it’s like juice and judge melded together? Nevermind, it’s a family word. :) I go batty for all the music references, but the last one that doesn’t have a link is killing me. Who is that? I can’t get Queens “Bohemian Rhapsody” out of my head on that one.
My best, Lynn
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! I thought about ORBing them to go with the curtain rods on either side of them, but I’m still sort of into the blending in look too, so we’ll have to see.
As for the last one it’s EMINEM!!! Haha. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S1OkqXy3cU
xo
s
Shanda says
OH. EMM. GEE. Whatever music god came up with that brilliant mix is genius. Adam Levine kills me. He’s just out there in the field, singin’ his hook, not studying the heli overhead. And how did 8Mile run in those baggy jeans? Guess it’s a skill learned in thug life.
Lurve the cabinet.
Kate says
Love it! I actually love the whole room and want to move in :)
Jenny says
Omg. I bought these products this weekend to do a $39 china cabinet I scored thrifting! Haven’t had a chance to do it yet (soo many books to design in my queue right now) but its on the list! Looks awesome! And love the idea of hiding the cable box. You guys are the smartest. xox
Tanya says
Oh YHL, I love you! This post could not be better timed! I just bought a new house that has exposed (but finished) wood beams, and they are so very dry looking. I was not all that enthused about stripping down the beams and refinishing…I’m ordering these products ASAP!
Gini says
I LOVE it!!! And that IR extender is BRILLIANT!!! (We have keep a cupboard door open for the remote and it’s a knee-knocker for sure.) :)
David F. says
We hid our cable box at the cable company’s office. :)
Logitech has a multiple IR extender system that sells on Amazon for about $60. That way, if you need to control more than one device, there is still only one visible receiver.
Fun fact: don’t use restor-a-finish on vintage Danish teak. Teak oil only. Whoops.
YoungHouseLove says
So smart! Love both tips David!
xo
s
Sara says
I’m trying to read this lovely post on my iPad but the words “Our Lighting Collection” have become a tiled background with no white space against yur text. I’ve refreshed a couple of times to no avail, didn’t know if anyone else was seeing the same. Just wanted to let you know. From what it looks like the throated dresser shined up real nice!
Sara says
Oh man spelling I errors, *your and *thrifted dresser. Yikes, smh.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, if you clear your cache/data/cookies it should be all fixed. It’s a weird iphone glitch that has to do with your indivdual smart phone, but that should solve it :)
xo,
s
Barbara says
How do you know which IR to order? Are they universal?
I’d love to get rid of my box…
http://imageshack.us/a/img852/7581/westsidehouse.jpg
YoungHouseLove says
We just read the reviews and checked our cable box to make sure it had the spot for the plug that the one we ordered would go into (sometimes they’re labeled as “IR input” or something). Usually reading the descriptions on amazon really help!
xo
s
Steve S says
look up the product description section. There is a list of compatible boxes. If it is on the list then you are golden. If it is not contact us. We will direct you to the correct item. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JSDHCY
[email protected]
Susan says
You people are geniuses! Seriously! I’m buying that IR Extender right NOW! Thanks!!
Susan
simplymodernhome.com
Carla says
Amazing…you guys a geniuses!
xoox YHL lover
Rachel says
Ok, this may not be the best place to ask this question, but I’ve been scouring the internet and your site especially (because you’re Captain and Captainette Careful) for a good answer, and I can’t find one. So, I figured I’d ask.
I’m new-ish-ly pregnant (10 weeks) and my hubby and I just bought our first house. We’ve been jumping in feet first already making DIY changes, but we haven’t done anything super major yet. Soon we’ll start painting and doing other things that make me wonder if I need to do something special. I was wondering if you had any good preggie DIY tips and safety cautions. I don’t know where to start!
Thanks so much for such an awesome blog, you keep me inspired every day!
YoungHouseLove says
I was a crazy person about it, just because I’m generally a paranoid person. Haha! So I used no-VOC paint and sealer/etc, and even used no-VOC caulk or just didn’t use a product if it was toxic (John sealed the basement of our first house while I stayed far away since it was so stinky). I also always tried to be in a ventilated area even when I was using no-VOC paint (can’t hurt, and I was sick to my stomach a lot when I was prego). If I did use anything that wasn’t no-VOC (ex: a low-VOC paint or sealer) I’d wear a gas mask. Not a little paper mask (those don’t block everything) but a legit gas mask with a filter, haha. Like I said, I was crazy! But I had a really rough birth complication with Clara and she came thought against the odds, so I like to think maybe my paranoia made her strong :)
xo
s
Rachel says
Thanks so much Sherry!
YoungHouseLove says
Sure thing!
xo
s
Parke says
Love the update! Do y’all have plans to keep the drawer pulls? It could be fun to ORB or spray paint them another color
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, I thought about ORB to tie into the curtains on either side but also go back to how much I like that they blend in and don’t scream “nine drawer handles here!” so I’m not sure where I’ll end up :)
xo
s
Kate says
It looks beautiful! We currently have our media center on an old dresser and I’ve thought a lot about hiding the cable box and dvd player just couldn’t figure out how to do it without putting a mesh screen or something. I think I’m going to have to try both these things out soon.
Carly says
Love that! I love how you are leaving some things natural wood – not everything can be painted a funky color. I mean it CAN be…. ;)
I’d LOVE if you guys had forums! I’ve got a major design dilemma right now. You know the kind; you have searched Pinterest and blogs and still can’t find a solution!? Ugh!
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to get those going! I think you guys are all brilliant and would help each other so much :)
xo
s